As of: March 9, 2024, 9:52 a.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Bile cancer is caused by illnesses and certain risk factors.
The signs of a malignant tumor in the bile can be nonspecific.
A malignant tumor can arise not only in the liver, but also in the adjacent gallbladder or gallbladder wall.
As with many forms of cancer, in some cases the tumor is not noticed until late because the signs of developing disease are often diffuse and may not be correctly interpreted by those affected.
It is therefore particularly important to pay attention to relevant symptoms and to see your family doctor early.
Gallstones are a risk factor for the development of gallbladder carcinoma.
Connection between gallstones and biliary cancer
According to the
German Cancer Society (DKG),
gallstones are found in around 80 percent of cases in which gallbladder cancer is diagnosed.
In fact, only about one percent of people with gallstones actually develop biliary cancer.
This shows that most patients with gallstones do not develop a tumor in the gallbladder.
In general, women develop gallstones more often than men.
Risk factors for the development include increased aging (40+) and a family history, in particular obesity, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, hypothyroidism, and crash diets.
Risk factors for gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer – not just gallstones
People who have high blood sugar or diabetes have an increased risk of biliary cancer.
© HalfPoint Images/Imago
When talking about biliary cancer,
a distinction can be made between gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer, according to the
German Cancer Society (DKG) .
Both cancers are not only promoted by the presence of gallstones.
People who smoke or are exposed to tobacco smoke are also at increased risk.
The substance dimethylinitrosamine in cigarette smoke promotes cancer of the biliary tract, according to the
DKG
.
People with high blood sugar or diabetes are also at risk - those patients who also smoke as diabetics are also at risk.
Experts see synergistic effects between the two risk factors that promote biliary cancer.
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Other risk factors that can significantly increase the possibility of biliary cancer include:
Persistent inflammation of the gallbladder leading to calcification of the bile wall (porcelain gallbladder)
Benign tumors (polyps) that are classified as precancerous lesions (precancerous lesions)
A salmonella infection, especially if those affected continue to excrete the pathogen for a longer period of time despite recovery.
This can lead to malignant changes in the gallbladder.
Adults usually excrete the pathogenic bacteria about a month after becoming ill, children and older people even for several weeks.
In some cases, salmonella can be found in the stool for six months or longer.
Chronic inflammatory disease of the biliary tract (primary sclerosing cholangitis PSC)
Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease
An expansion of the bile ducts in the liver (Caroli syndrome)
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection
If you have corresponding symptoms and suspect possible cancer, your family doctor will arrange for a referral to a specialist.
It is advisable to pay attention to certain signals from the body that could indicate possible cancer.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.